Residents are encouraged to access services online from the comfort of their own home or on the go, without calling or queuing. This is the fastest way to get something done.

Changes to One Stop Shops

As more council transactions have been made available online, the services available at our One Stop Shops and the number of residents visiting us have significantly reduced.

More and more residents are getting things done from home using their own computers. At the same time, we have been investing considerably in our five Ideas Stores – so that they look and feel fresh with better access to technology.

As a result, our One Stop Shops at Chrisp Street and Bow have now closed. Residents will now need to access council services online or get support at nearby Idea Stores in our digital hubs.

The counter service our One Stop Shop in Bethnal Green has also closed, but assistance is available by appointment.

Paper forms or transactions for parking, benefits, council tax, or lettings and the housing register are no longer available.

We have made this possible because many people say it is difficult to get through by phone and they are fed up of waiting in long queues.

In fact, 92 per cent of our residents have access to the internet and many have told us they would prefer to access services online.

What if I don’t have a computer or need to talk to someone?

Support is available at our five Idea Stores. The Idea Stores have free Wi-Fi and computers for residents to use and staff are on hand to help seven days per week.

If you have your own smart phone or tablet but want a hand using it, you can also visit our Idea Stores.

Assistance remains on offer through the Idea Stores and additional personal support is available at our One Stop Shop in Bethnal Green by appointment.

Overview of the changes:

One Stop Shop Chrisp Street:

Closed on 17 January 2020. The nearest Idea Store is at Chrisp Street, at 1 Vesey Path.

One Stop Shop Bow:

Closed on 17 January 2020. The nearest Idea Store is at Bow, at 1 Gladstone Place.

One Stop Shop Bethnal Green (Rushmead):

The counter service closed on 17 January 2020. Your nearest Idea Store is at Whitechapel, at 321 Whitechapel Road, E1 1BU. Assistance will still be available at Rushmead, by appointment. This can be booked by council staff in Idea Stores or by calling us on 020 7364 5000 (lines are open 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday). Please note, the counter service provided by Tower Hamlets Homes at this location will continue, and they have taken over the running of the building.